Fairbanks, AK · Private University
Is University of Alaska Fairbanks Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$48,866
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,640
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,752
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$91,008
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
32.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,291
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$9,634
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn $3,866 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Alaska Fairbanks ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
23 graduates
17 graduates
32 graduates
29 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Alaska Fairbanks
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Alaska Fairbanks, the gap between the highest-earning major (Civil Engineering: $82,560) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $32,895) is $49,665/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Civil EngineeringBest ROI | $82,560 | 3.6x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $76,473 | 3.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,855 | 2.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $51,619 | 2.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,684 | 2.2x |
| Social Work | $46,261 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $39,709 | 1.8x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $39,103 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections(1yr data) | $34,617 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $32,895 | 1.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Alaska Fairbanks stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $48,866 10 years after starting, $3,866 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.